you claim scientific studies are showing that the threat of Zika has been greatly exaggerated
No I didn't, I claimed the scientific study which has been used by the media to drum up hysteria was designed to deliberately select the worst case variables.
In particular, you say the CDC has slashed away at the number of confirmed cases and that suggests they are a credible institution in your eyes. But the CDC is a very strong proponent of urgent funding of the fight against The Zika Virus. Maybe it's a Jeckyl and Hyde thing.
Only in your mind!
Seems to me you're fighting a rearguard action since your argument that there was no link between Zika and microcephaly bit the dust.
I've never said there is no link, you've deliberately misquoted me to try and support your case. It's a pity you try to distort old long forgotten discussions to stoke your ego!
The earlier results hinted that the 2nd trimester was the critical period, infection before or after has as yet not been related to microcephaly. This has lead some to speculate that the problem isn't the presence of Zika in the placenta but possibly a reaction from the mothers own immune system that is the root cause. I don't know the reason behind why they think that is the case.
This finding is unchanged to date.
But if you want an argument over the science, best you start another thread. This one is about the Presidential Election. It doesn't matter what the true position regarding Zika is. The question is how voters will react. Railing against the "carbon tax" might have been a nonsense in economic and scientific terms but it helped win Tony Abbott an election.
You are the one who keeps bringing up Zika and Microcephaly, in a hysterical manner, in a political thread. The hysteria is being drummed up by selective media reporting, my concern regarding scientific institutions is as I have said surrounding unscrupulous lawyers and administrators who know how to manipulate the media and public to ensure they receive funding. As it seems from your support of Zika as a political tool my concerns are truly well founded.
Shame Mav, shame!